Four teams in Southern California's Marine League have banded together and unanimously agreed to forfeit their games against
Narbonne (Harbor City, Calif.), the fifth team in the league, according to
reporting by the Los Angeles Times' Eric Sondheimer.
The unprecedented declaration by
San Pedro (Calif.),
Gardena (Calif.),
Carson (Calif.) and
Banning (Calif.) is spelled out in a letter to Los Angeles City Section Commissioner Victoria Lagos that claims Narbonne has systematically created an uneven playing field based on the Gauchos' "practice of fielding All-Star teams."
Narbonne, 4-2, has only four games remaining on its schedule — against the four Marina League opponents.
Friday's game between Banning and Narbonne has been forfeited, according to new reports.
Narbonne's four remaining games have been forfeited by Marine League opponents who staged a protest against the Gauchos for what they claim is an uneven playing field based on transfers. (Photo: Donovan Johnson)
"Reports in the past of players being flown in from out of state to join an already stacked roster reinforce the belief that this is not an isolated incident, but part of a broader strategy. We believe Narbonne's practices undermine the level playing field that athletics are supposed to offer, and if allowed to continue, these actions will create lasting damage to the reputation and integrity of our league."
"We cannot, in good conscience, continue to subject our athletes to an environment where unethical behavior is rewarded and their safety is jeopardized. Therefore, until action is taken, we will not schedule or participate in any football games against Narbonne. Our programs deserve an even playing field, and we believe that these steps are necessary to restore the principles of fairness, safety and competition within our league," the letter continues.
Raymond Grejada of Banning, Mike Christensen of Carson, Monty Gilbreath of Gardena and Corey Walsh of San Pedro all signed the letter that urges the City Section to "investigate these matters thoroughly and take the necessary actions to preserve the integrity of athletics."
Narbonne was punished in 2019 for an ineligible player and banned from postseason, but that was under a previous coaching regime. However, the football program does have transfers on the team, as most Southern California schools do, including four-star Oklahoma commit Jaden O'Neal.
"Until something is uncovered or they provide documents of something, they're saying someone has committed a crime without going through the proper channels," Lagos said to the L.A. Times, adding the Section does not support the coaches' stance.
